Air Quality

Topic

√ NY Agencies

Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

Responsible for updating and enforcing the Air Pollution Control Code (Air Code) with the goal to preserve, protect, and improve the air resources of the city. Mayor’s Management Report

Mayor's Office of Climate and Environmental Justice

Committed to improving air quality and reducing disparities in ambient pollution level exposures by setting specific targets for reductions in PM2.5 and sulfur dioxide (SO2) by 2030.

New York City Department of Transportation (DOT)

This department works on reducing transportation-related emissions through initiatives like promoting public transit, cycling, and electric vehicles. It manages programs to reduce idling and encourage sustainable transport. Mayor’s Management Report

New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH)

Established the New York City Community Air Survey (NYCCAS), the largest ongoing urban air monitoring program in the U.S., to collect and provide data on air quality. Mayor’s Management Report

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

Although a state agency, it plays a significant role in air quality regulation within NYC, overseeing larger-scale pollution control measures and issuing permits for major emission sources.

√ Reports

New York City Community Air Survey (NYCCAS)

The NYC Department of Health released the latest NYCCAS report in April 2023, summarizing thirteen years of data. The report highlights sustained citywide improvements in air quality, detailing seasonal trends from winter 2008-2009 through fall 2021, and identifies sources contributing to elevated pollutant levels in various neighborhoods.

Real-Time Air Quality Data

The NYC Environment & Health Data Portal offers real-time monitoring of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels, providing insights into daily and hourly variations in air quality across different neighborhoods.

New York City's Air Pollution Control Code

The Air Pollution Control Code is a report produced by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that outlines regulations and standards for reducing air pollution from stationary sources such as factories and power plants. The report includes rules for emissions testing, reporting, and enforcement, and is regularly updated to reflect advances in pollution control technology.

Environmental Assessment for the Central Business District Tolling Program (Congestion Pricing)

Conducted by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), this report evaluates the potential environmental impacts of congestion pricing in Manhattan. Projected reductions in vehicle emissions (NOx, PM2.5, PM10) within the congestion zone. Slight increases in emissions in adjacent areas such as parts of the Bronx.

New York City's Roadmap to 80x50

The Roadmap to 80×50 is a report produced by the New York City Mayor’s Office of Sustainability that outlines a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. The report includes strategies for reducing emissions from transportation, buildings, and waste, which are major sources of air pollution in the city.

New York State's Clean Energy Standard

The Clean Energy Standard is a report produced by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) that outlines a plan to increase the use of renewable energy in the state. The report includes a goal of generating 50% of the state’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030, which will reduce emissions from power plants and improve air quality.

Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) Reports

As part of RGGI, New York State publishes reports on greenhouse gas emissions and co-benefits, including improved air quality.

State of the Air Report - American Lung Association

While not a city-specific government report, the American Lung Association’s “State of the Air” report uses EPA and state data to assess air quality in major U.S. cities, including NYC.

New York City Community Air Survey (NYCCAS)

Real-Time Air Quality Data

New York City's Air Pollution Control Code

Environmental Assessment for the Central Business District Tolling Program (Congestion Pricing)

New York City's Roadmap to 80x50

New York State's Clean Energy Standard

Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) Reports

As part of RGGI, New York State publishes reports on greenhouse gas emissions and co-benefits, including improved air quality.

State of the Air Report - American Lung Association

While not a city-specific government report, the American Lung Association’s “State of the Air” report uses EPA and state data to assess air quality in major U.S. cities, including NYC.

√ Data sets

the NYC air quality data hub

Air quality varies from neighborhood to neighborhood, based on local levels of emissions and many other factors. We monitor air quality using the New York City Community Air Survey (NYCCAS), NYC’s comprehensive air quality monitoring and modeling network.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) maintains a database of air quality monitoring data from various sources throughout the state, including New York City. The data set includes measurements of criteria pollutants, such as ozone, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide, as well as air toxics and other pollutants.

Environmental Protection Agency

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains a database of air quality monitoring data from various sources throughout the United States, including New York City. The data set includes measurements of criteria pollutants, such as ozone, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides, as well as air toxics and other pollutants.

New York City Open Data

New York City Open Data provides access to a variety of data sets related to air quality, including data on greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and more.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)

NYSDEC maintains air quality monitoring stations across New York State, including in New York City. They provide air quality data through the Air Quality Index (AQI), which includes measurements of various pollutants like ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide.

√ Data visualizations

Environment and Health Data Portal

Real-Time Air Quality: PM2.5 in NYC. Data are hourly measurements of PM2.5, in micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m3). Data come from the NYC Community Air Survey’s street-level monitors, which measure ground-level exposures.

Department of Environmental Conservation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website provides a dashboard that shows real-time air quality data from monitoring stations throughout the state, including several in New York City. The dashboard shows the concentration of pollutants such as PM2.5, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide, and provides color-coded ratings of air quality levels based on the Air Quality Index (AQI).

Air Quality Maps

The Environmental Defense Fund’s (EDF) Air Quality Maps website provides interactive maps that show air quality data from monitoring stations throughout the United States, including several in New York City. The maps show the concentration of pollutants such as PM2.5, ozone, and sulfur dioxide, and allow users to compare air quality in different cities and regions.

Public Health Impacts of PM2.5

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) site featuers a series of infographics and maps illustrating the public health impacts of PM2.5 from traffic air pollution.

√ STATISTICS

Decrease in PM 2.5 in NYC

since 2009

Traffic-related air pollution

Premature deaths

Air Complaints Received

In its annual Mayor’s Management report, the DEP reported receiving 10,761 air complaints in FY 2024. Source: Department of Environmental Protection – MMR

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)

Data from the largest urban air monitoring program of any U.S. city show annual average levels of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitric oxide (NO) have declined 46%, 41% and 58%, respectively since 2009. Source: Department of Health and Human Services

Traffic-related air pollution

Traffic is a major source of air pollution in New York City, especially in densely populated areas with high levels of vehicle traffic. According to a report by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, an estimated 2,700 premature deaths and 100,000 emergency department visits and hospitalizations each year in the city are attributed to traffic-related air pollution.

Disparities in exposure

Air pollution is not evenly distributed across New York City, and low-income communities and communities of color are often disproportionately exposed to higher levels of pollution. According to the New York City Community Air Survey, neighborhoods with high poverty rates and high percentages of people of color have higher levels of PM2.5 and ozone than wealthier and whiter neighborhoods.

Ozone

According to the New York City Community Air Survey, the annual average ozone concentration in the city was 28 parts per billion in 2019. This is down from 34 parts per billion in 2008, but still higher than the national standard of 15 parts per billion. Source: Community Air Survey

Decrease in PM 2.5 in NYC

since 2009

Traffic-related air pollution

Premature deaths

Air Complaints Received

In its annual Mayor’s Management report, the DEP reported receiving 10,761 air complaints in FY 2024. Source: Department of Environmental Protection – MMR

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)

Traffic-related air pollution

Disparities in exposure

Ozone

√ Census & American Community Survey

Housing units

The ACS collects data on the number and characteristics of housing units in New York City. Housing conditions can affect indoor air quality, and households located near sources of outdoor air pollution may have higher exposures.

Commuting patterns

The ACS collects data on commuting patterns, including mode of transportation and commute time. Commuting can contribute to air pollution, particularly through emissions from vehicles.

Income and poverty

The Census collects data on income and poverty levels in New York City. Low-income communities and individuals may be more vulnerable to the health impacts of air pollution, as they may live in areas with higher levels of pollution and have limited access to healthcare.

Demographic characteristics

The Census and ACS collect data on demographic characteristics such as race, ethnicity, age, and gender. Some studies have found that certain racial and ethnic groups, such as Black and Hispanic communities, may be disproportionately exposed to air pollution and have higher rates of related health conditions.

Housing units

Commuting patterns

The ACS collects data on commuting patterns, including mode of transportation and commute time. Commuting can contribute to air pollution, particularly through emissions from vehicles.

Income and poverty

Demographic characteristics

√ Non-Profits

New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI)

NYLPI is a non-profit legal organization that works to protect the rights of low-income and marginalized communities in New York City. They have a Clean Air & Climate Justice program that advocates for stronger air pollution regulations and supports community efforts to reduce pollution.

WE ACT for Environmental Justice

WE ACT is a Harlem-based environmental justice organization that works to promote environmental sustainability and address environmental injustices in low-income communities and communities of color. They advocate for policies and programs that reduce air pollution and promote energy efficiency and renewable energy.

New York City Environmental Justice Alliance (NYC-EJA)

NYC-EJA is a non-profit organization that works to address environmental injustices in low-income communities and communities of color. They advocate for policies and programs that reduce air pollution and promote environmental sustainability, and provide technical assistance and capacity building to community organizations.

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)

NRDC is a national environmental advocacy organization with a New York City office that works to protect public health and the environment. They have a Clean Air & Climate program that advocates for stronger air pollution regulations and works to reduce emissions from transportation, buildings, and power plants.

Clean Air Task Force

The Clean Air Task Force is a national non-profit organization that works to reduce air pollution and address climate change. They have a New York City office and work on initiatives such as reducing emissions from buildings and transportation, and promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency.

√ Experts

V. Faye McNeill - Columbia University

V. Faye McNeill is a professor of chemical engineering and earth and environmental sciences at Columbia University. She is an atmospheric chemist and expert in air quality. She has been studying air pollution in New York City for many years and is a leading expert on the topic.

Rohit T. Aggarwala - DEP

Rohit T. “Rit” Aggarwala is commissioner of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and the City’s Chief Climate Officer. Prior to the Adams administration, Aggarwala served as the first Director of the New York City Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability.

Julie Herbstman - Columbia University

Trained as an epidemiologist, Julie Herbstman’s research focuses on the impact of prenatal exposures to environmental pollutants, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on child growth and development.

Ilias Kavouras - University of Memphis

Professor Kavouras’ research lies on the interface of chemical and health sciences to understand the coupling of atmospheric pollution and human health including the role of climate change. His research focuses on particulate matter sources and composition, development of aerosol characterization technologies, wildfires smoke emissions, geospatial, receptor and inverse modeling, and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

David Robinson - Rutgers

Dr. Robinson’s primary research interests include climate and climate change; in particular, state and regional climate and climate change issues, hemispheric and regional snow cover dynamics, interactions of snow cover with other climate elements, the dynamics of solar and terrestrial radiative fluxes at and close to the surface of the earth, and the collection and archiving of accurate climatic data.

√ Journal Articles

"Seasonal and Periodic Patterns of PM2.5 in Manhattan using the Variable Bandpass Periodic Block Bootstrap"

This study introduces a new bandpass bootstrap approach to analyze time series data of daily mean PM2.5 concentrations over 16 years in Manhattan. The findings reveal significant semi-annual and weekly patterns in PM2.5 levels, providing insights into air quality trends.

"NYC Subway Riders Ingest 'Exceptionally High' Amounts of Air Pollution Every Day"

A study led by New York University researcher Shams Azad found that pollution levels on subway platforms and inside trains in NYC far exceed the World Health Organization’s recommended limits, posing significant health risks to commuters.

"Majority of trees in NYC could be making air quality worse: Columbia researchers"

A study by Columbia University researchers reveals that the majority of New York City’s trees emit volatile compounds called isoprenes, which can worsen air quality, especially during extreme heat.

"Violent crimes and homicide in New York City: The role of weather and pollution"

This paper studies the effect of weather and air pollution on violent crime and homicides in New York City, using data collected from all crimes committed between 2006 and 2020. The study concludes that high concentrations of carbon monoxide are associated with increased violent crimes in the city.

"Inequitable Exposure to Air Pollution from Vehicles in New York State: Who Bears the Burden?"

Tailpipe emissions from cars, trucks, and buses are a leading source of harmful air pollution in New York State. This pollution has a significant impact on the health of the region’s residents, and varies greatly geographically and across different types of communities.

THE NEW YORK CITY CARBON CHARGE ("NY3C")

Fordham Environmental Law Review. This paper seeks to provide a blueprint for unlocking municipalities’ latent power to regulate carbon emissions within their jurisdictions through the use of a carbon charge. It uses New York City as a case study.

"New Jersey: A Case Study of the Reduction in Urban and Suburban Air Pollution from the 1950s to 2010"

This paper traces the changes in air pollution in New Jersey as a case study, demonstrating the impact of local, state, and federal strategies to control emissions of pollutants and pollutant precursors from the 1950s until today.

"Short report: Children living in areas with more street trees have lower prevalence of asthma"

The prevalence of childhood asthma in the USA increased by 50% from 1980 to 2000, with especially high prevalence in poor urban communities. Street trees were associated with a lower prevalence of early childhood asthma.

√ Key Issues

Particulate Matter (PM) Pollution

PM pollution, which is made up of tiny particles in the air that can be inhaled into the lungs, has been a persistent issue in New York City. Sources of PM pollution include vehicles, power plants, and other industrial facilities. PM pollution has been linked to a range of health problems, including asthma, heart disease, and premature death.

Ozone Pollution

Ozone pollution, which is formed when pollutants from vehicles and other sources react in the presence of sunlight, has also been a significant issue in New York City. Ozone pollution can cause respiratory problems and has been linked to increased hospitalizations and emergency department visits.

Traffic Congestion

Traffic congestion is a major source of air pollution in New York City, particularly in areas with heavy traffic. The city has implemented several initiatives to reduce traffic congestion and promote alternative modes of transportation, such as cycling and walking

Environmental Justice

Air pollution disproportionately affects low-income communities and communities of color in New York City. These communities often live in close proximity to industrial facilities, highways, and other sources of pollution. Addressing environmental justice concerns has been a key issue for many organizations and policymakers working on air quality issues in the city.

Climate Change

Climate change is expected to exacerbate air quality issues in New York City, as higher temperatures and more frequent heatwaves can increase the formation of ozone pollution. Additionally, extreme weather events such as hurricanes and floods can lead to releases of air pollutants from industrial facilities and other sources.

√ Social Media Accounts

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